“As part of phase two, outdoor athletic facilities can be open for organized youth and adult sports activities in accordance with the guidance. Games, scrimmages, and tournaments are currently not permitted for any organized sports activities and contact sports must limit activities to no contact drills and practices.”

Wednesday’s announcement, along with the executive order Gov. Baker outlined earlier this week should be viewed as a positive step – a small one, of course – with restarting athletic events. It does not mean, however, that games and events can resume as they once did a few months ago.

According to the report, beaches, parks, and some athletic fields and courts could open as soon as next Monday, May 25. But when those places do open, the state will ask everyone to abide by the social guidance procedures, which includes covering your face with a mask, washing hands, social distancing, and being vigilant of their respective symptoms.

The second phase for recreation and outdoor activities, which is titled “caution,” would allow campgrounds, playgrounds, spray decks, public and community pools, along with all athletic fields and courts with guidelines. Youth sports could occur during this phase but in a limited fashion.

The third phase – titled “vigilant” – would allow more activities and services to take place, along with youth sporting events and games, as well as tournaments with limited crowd sizes. And the fourth and final phase – the “new normal” – would let all activities take place.

Gyms and fitness facilities can open in the third phase with restrictions and some capacities.